Method of separating isotopes

ABSTRACT

A process in which isotopes of the same element belonging to the alkaline earth metals, transition elements and heavy metals having an atomic mass of less than 209, in particular lanthanide metals, are separated in an aqueous medium by treating an aqueous medium.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the separation of isotopes of alkaline earthmetals, of transition elements and of heavy metals having an atomic massof less than 209. It relates more particularly to the separation of theisotopes of rare earth metals or lanthanide metals. The invention thusrelates to a process which allows separation of isotopes of theseelements from one another.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Some isotopes of lanthanide metals are used as neutron poison or neutronabsorber in nuclear reactors. This is the case in particular withgadolinium (Gd) and erbium (Er). Not all gadolinium isotopes (152, 154,155, 156, 157, 158, 160) and erbium isotopes (162, 164, 166, 167, 168,170) are equally advantageous and manufacturers are looking to isolatethe most favorable isotopes. The 155 and 157 isotopes of gadolinium andthe 167 isotope of erbium are the isotopes having the best neutronabsorption capacities and are the isotopes of choice as products whichabsorb neutrons in fuel elements for nuclear power stations.

For further information on the isotopes of lanthanide metals, seeHandbook of Chemistry and Physics, 73rd edition, 1992-1993.

The separation of the isotopes of the same element is one of the mostdifficult technical problems to solve, whatever the scale of separationchosen. It increases in difficulty as the difference in relative massbetween the isotopes decreases, e.g. between 1 and 2% for lanthanidemetals.

The separation of the isotopes of elements such as Ca or Na in theliquid phase (aqueous or organic phase) using complexing agents wascarried out for the first time by the teams of Jepson and DeWitt (J.Inorg. Nucl. Chem., 38, 1175, 1976) and of Heumann and Schiefer (Z.Naturforsch., 36b, 566, 1981). The techniques employed involvedliquid-liquid extraction and ion-exchange resins using specificcomplexing agents, such as crown ethers (dicyclohexano[18]crown-6) orcryptands (cryptand[2.2.2]).

The separation of the isotopes of rare earth metals by an ion-exchangeresin (chromatography) in the liquid phase involving ion-exchange resinsand an eluting solution comprising a ligand for the isotopes has alsobeen provided. Thus, European Published Patent-A-173 484 provides such atechnique for the separation of gadolinium isotopes using from 5 to 30,preferably from 20 to 30, columns comprising either an anion-exchangeresin or a cation-exchange resin as stationary phase. In the first case,the eluant comprises ammonium nitrate in aqueous methanol and, in thesecond case, EDTA. Mention may similarly be made of J. Chen et al.,Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, 1992, 29 (11), 1086-1092, andI. M. Ismail et al., J. Chromato. A, 1998, 808, 185-191.

For reasons related essentially to the difficulties in controlling theelution of the isotope peaks, Published Patent WO-A-96/00124 hasattempted to improve the separation of Gd isotopes on an ion-exchangeresin. The method disclosed then requires a mobile phase preferablyformed of an aqueous acid, preferably nitric acid. A similar method isprovided by Published Patent WO-A-96/00123 for the separation of theerbium isotopes.

Other authors have provided a redox system by chemical exchange inliquid-liquid extraction systems with ligands of HDEHP or TBP type, forthe separation of europium and cerium isotopes (W. Dembinski and T.Mioduski, Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, Letters,1995, 199(2), 159-171; W. Dembinski et al., Journal of Radioanalyticaland Nuclear Chemistry, Articles, 1991, 149(1), 169-176).

French Published Patent 2 214 509 provides for the separation of the 44and 40 isotopes of calcium by a liquid-liquid extraction process basedon the use of crown ethers and of solvent of water-alcohol type or ofchlorinated solvent.

The stakes are therefore high in the separation of isotopes. However,the various techniques have drawbacks, e.g. the complexity of thearrangements to be employed; the cost and the scale of the plants; theenergy expenditure; the production of liquid or solid byproducts to agreater or lesser extent toxic; the use of solvents presents the problemof their separation and of their reprocessing, for the purpose ofrecycling them and of protecting the environment.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a processwhich allows efficient separation of isotopes from one another of thesame element belonging to the category of alkaline earth metals,transition elements and heavy metals having an atomic mass of less than209, in particular lanthanide metals.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a process whichallows enrichment of an element in one or more advantageous isotopes.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a process whichallows easy adjustment of the degree of separation or of enrichment.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a process which issimple to implement, which does not require an excessively large plantand which is economic to use and to set up.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a process whichallows limitation of the volumes of liquid and solid waste and not togenerate toxic waste.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a process whichis easy to implement and which limits energy expenditures.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a process whichcan operate easily batchwise or continuously.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a process which allowshigh elution flow rates, in particular greater than those obtained inthe other designs.

These objects, and others, are achieved by a process in which isotopesof the same element belonging to the alkaline earth metals, transitionelements and heavy metals having an atomic mass of less than 209, inparticular lanthanide metals, are separated in an aqueous medium bytreating an aqueous medium comprising the isotopes using at least oneorganic ligand which is in the ionic state in the aqueous medium andwhich is designed to be able to complex preferentially with one or moreof the isotopes present in the aqueous medium. The use of an appropriateseparation arrangement then allows, on the one hand, retention of aretentate comprising the isotopes complexed with the ligand, which isreflected by an enriching of the retentate, with respect to the startingsolution, in isotope(s) which complex preferentially and, on the otherhand, to allow to pass or elute a permeate comprising the isotopes whichhave not complexed, which is reflected by a permeate or eluate enrichedin isotopes which do not complex preferentially, namely isotopes whichdo not complex and/or isotopes which complex less strongly.

The metal to be treated is preferably in aqueous solution in the form ofan isotope salt, in particular a nitrate, sulfate, carbonate orchloride.

The choice of the ligand falls on an organic ligand, which makes itpossible to design and synthesize ligands according to precisespecifications. In particular, the size of the ligand can be chosen soas to optimize the operation for separation between ligand-isotopecomplex and free isotopes as a function of the separation means used.Another parameter is the ionic charge of the ligand. The organic ligandmay be chosen so as to have the same number of negative charges as theisotope in the ionic form has positive charges.

The invention is based on a surprising established fact: it is possible,with an appropriate ligand, to preferentially complex one or moreisotopes of an element, at the expense of one or more others, this beingachieved reproducibly, and then to separate the complexed isotopes fromthe noncomplexed isotopes.

The ligand is selected so as to make it possible to enrich either thepermeate or the retentate in advantageous isotope, indeed even both whenit is a matter of separating two advantageous isotopes.

The ligand may be a linear or cyclic, in particular linear, polyaminoacid, which has, for example, the following formula (I):

in which:

-   -   a=0 or 1 and b=2or 3    -   c=2 or 3 and d=0 or 1    -   e=0 or 1    -   h=1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 2    -   i=1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 2    -   p=0 to 3, preferably 2    -   q=1 to 4, preferably 2 or 3    -   f=2 or 3    -   g=0 or 1

A¹, A² and A³ are identical to or different from one another andcorrespond to a monovalent acid group for example selected from thegroup comprising: —COOR, —PO₃R′₂ and —SO₃R″, where R, R′ and R″═H orcation, in particular an alkaline cation, for example sodium; a cationwhich does not complex the ligand may be chosen;

the R₁ groups are identical to or different from one another andcorrespond to:

-   -   H,    -   C₁-C₁₀ alkyl or

where a=0, b=1 and R⁹ and R¹⁰ identical or different and eachcorresponding to hydrogen or to a hydrophilic monovalent radicalpreferably selected from aminated and/or (poly)hydroxylated and/oralkoxylated and/or (poly)etherified hydrocarbonaceous residues, theseresidues may be of the (cyclo)alkyl, aralkyl, alkylaryl, (cyclo)alkenyl,aralkenyl, alkenylaryl or aryl type;

-   -   R⁹ and R¹⁰ more preferably still each corresponding to a C₁-C₁₀        hydroxyalkyl, a C₁-C₁₀ alkoxyl or a polyol, advantageously a        hydrogenated saccharide;    -   the R² groups are identical to or different from one another,    -   the R³ groups are identical to or different from one another,    -   the R⁶ groups are identical to or different from one another,    -   the R⁷ groups are identical to or different from one another,    -   R², R³, R⁶, R⁷ are identical to or different from one another        and correspond to H or to a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl;    -   the R⁴ groups are identical to or different from one another and        correspond to a hydrophilic divalent group for example selected        from aminated and/or hydroxylated aromatic groups, aminated        and/or hydroxylated aromatic and alkyl groups, aminated and/or        hydroxylated aromatic and (cyclo)alkylene groups, or aminated        and/or hydroxylated (cyclo)alkylene groups;        -   it being possible for this group to comprise alkoxy and/or            (poly)ethers;    -   the divalent group R⁵ representing an alkylene, preferably CH₂,        or a group corresponding to the same definition as R⁴; and/or    -   the group R⁸ corresponding to a hydroxyl, to A⁴ corresponding to        the same definition as A¹, A², A³, to hydrogen or to —NR⁹R¹⁰        with R⁹, R¹⁰ identical to or different from one another and        representing a hydrophilic monovalent radical preferably        selected from aminated and/or (poly)hydroxylated and/or        alkoxylated and/or (poly)etherified hydrocarbonaceous residues,        these residues preferably being of the (cyclo)alkyl aralkyl,        alkylaryl, (cyclo)alkenyl, aralkenyl, alkenylaryl, aryl type;    -   R⁸ being more preferably still a C₁-C₁₀ hydroxyalkyl, a        C_(l)-C₁₀ alkoxyl or a polyol, advantageously a hydrogenated        saccharide.

Any monovalent or divalent group or radical referred to in this formula(I) can be a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl which may comprise, inits chain, one or more oxygen atoms in place of the carbon atoms (e.g.alkoxy or (poly)ether).

In this same formula (I), the term “aryl” group is understood to mean agroup derived from an aromatic hydrocarbonaceous unit comprising one ormore aromatic nuclei which may or may not be substituted by OH or alkylgroups or hydroxyalkyls by removal of one hydrogen atom from one of thecarbons of the ring or by removal of one hydrogen atom from one of thecarbons of an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl substituent. Mention may be made, byway of examples, of benzyl alcohol or hydroxyalkylphenol groups.

In this formula (I), the term “cycloalkylene” group is also understoodto mean a divalent group derived from a hydrocarbocyclic which may ormay not be substituted by alkyl or hydroxyalkyl chains by removal of onehydrogen atom from one carbon atom of the ring. Mention may be made, byway of example, of the cyclohexylene group.

The term “hydrocarbonaceous” is understood to mean, within the meaningof the invention, any group comprising in particular carbon atoms andhydrogen atoms.

When reference is made to C₁-C₁₀ alkyls, alkoxyls or alkenyls, it is amatter more specifically of C₂, C₃ and/or C₄ radicals.

Advantageously, the hydrophilic groups which may represent R⁹ and R¹⁰are polyhydroxyalkyls, preferably hydrogenated saccharides, morepreferably still a sorbitol residue, or polyether chains, preferablypolyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol.

Advantageously, this formula (I) encompasses known linear polyaminoacids which are EDTA and DTPA (p=0, q=2 or 3, b=2, f=2, A₁=A₃=COOH,R¹═R⁶═R⁷═H, R⁵═CH₂, R⁸═OH, g=1,e=0,a=1,h=1 or 2).

According to one alternative form, the ligands/complexing agents may becyclic polyamino acids, such as, for example, DOTAs, which are cyclicpolyaminocarboxylates.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ligand/complexing agent is a product offormula (I.1):

in which R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, are identical to or different from one anotherand each represent a hydrophilic monovalent radical corresponding to thesame definition as that given for R⁹ and R¹⁰, the ethanoyl, methoxyethyland sorbitoyl radicals being more especially preferred.

A person skilled in the art can determine the values of the variablesand can choose the substituents in order to design ligands suited to theisotopes to be treated.

On the basis of the information disclosed, a person skilled in the artis in a position to define appropriate ligands for the separation ofsuch or such an isotope by resorting to simple experiments which arewithin the scope of his normal abilities and which can consist, forexample, in repeating the process of the invention with a given ligand,in performing the separation and in analyzing the permeate and theretentate, as is described in particular in the examples.

In the first stage of this process, the water-soluble ligand accordingto the invention is added to the aqueous solution to be treated. Theamount of ligand added may be such that it is less than one equivalentof ligand per atom of isotope to be separated. These ligands formcomplexes of 1:1 type.

According to a first form of the invention, the separation arrangementis a filtration membrane, preferably a nanofiltration membrane. Theligand and the membrane are chosen so that the molecular mass of theligand-isotope complex is greater than the cutoff threshold of themembrane, so as to make possible a retention of the complexed ions whichis as complete as possible.

To separate the isotopes, the aqueous solution to be treated iscirculated in the vicinity of the nanofiltration membrane and a pressuredifference is applied between the two opposite faces of the membrane, soas to collect a retentate enriched in isotope which complexespreferentially and a permeate depleted in this isotope. The pressuredifference between the two opposite faces of the membrane can varywithin a wide range but good results are obtained with a pressuredifference ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 MPa.

The nanofiltration membranes capable of being used in the process of theinvention must exhibit a cutoff threshold such that they allow thenoncomplexed ions to pass and retain the ions complexed by the ligandsof the invention. The cutoff threshold of a membrane with respect to aneutral solute can be defined as the minimum molar mass of a compoundnecessary in order to have a degree of retention of this compound at90%.

According to the invention, the cutoff threshold appropriate for themembrane selected can be (in g/mol) from 100 to 5000, for example from200 to 2000 and more preferably still from 500 to 1500. In practice, thecutoff threshold can, for example, be between 200 and 2000 g/mol.

These membranes can be organic, inorganic or organic/inorganic. Theyadvantageously comprise or advantageously consist of polymers, such aspolyaramides, sulfonated polysulfones, polybenzimidazolones, grafted orungrafted poly(vinylidene fluoride)s, polyamides, cellulose esters,cellulose ethers or perfluorinated ionomers, the combinations of thesepolymers and the copolymers obtained from monomers of at least two ofthese polymers. For further details, a person skilled in the art mayrefer to Published Patent WO-A-92/06675, which disclosesorganic/inorganic nanofiltration membranes comprising an active layer ofa polymer of the polysulfone, polybenzenimidazolone, graftedpoly(vinylidene fluoride) and perfluorinated ionomer (Nafion®)type—cutoff threshold of 300 to 1000 g·mol⁻¹; or to French PublishedPatent FR 2 600 264, which discloses organic/inorganic membranescomprising a porous and organic support and a microporous membrane madeof organic polymer, such as polysulfone, polyamide, cellulose ester andcellulose ether.

Mention may in particular be made, by way of examples of membranes, ofthe membranes sold by Osmonics under the names of Sepa MG-17, Sepa MW-15and Sepa BQ-01, which have a permeability to doubly-distilled water ofbetween 2 and 10 l·h⁻¹·m⁻²·bar⁻¹ at 25° C.

Use may be made of the tangential filtration technique, which has theadvantage of limiting the phenomenon of accumulation of the entitiesretained at the surface of the membrane and thus of making possiblecontinuous operation.

Use may be made of filtration modules in the form of tubes or cylindersor of parallel plates or alternatively of membranes wound around aperforated tube or cylinder intended to collect the permeate. Thesemodules can be arranged in series and/or in parallel, with optionallydifferent membranes in some modules.

Mention may be made, by way of example, of the membrane sold byMillipore under the name Nanomax 50®, which is a spiral plan module, themembrane of which is formed of a polyester support, of a polysulfoneintermediate layer and of a polyamide nanofiltering layer. Itscharacteristics are a high retention of polyvalent ions and of unchargedcompounds with a molar mass M>350 g/mol and a high transmission ofmonovalent ions and of uncharged compounds with a molar mass M<100/mol.

The pH of the aqueous medium, the pressure difference applied, the rateof circulation of the retentate and the temperature are adjustableparameters.

The pH may be acidic and between 0 and 7, in order to avoid theprecipitation of lanthanide hydroxides at high pH values.

It is possible to operate between 0 and 50° C. and advantageously atambient temperature (25° C.) or in the vicinity of the latter, e.g.between 20 and 35° C. The pressure differences and rate of circulationof the retentate are above all set as a function of the desired flowrate and other characteristics of the membrane, e.g. its resistance topressure. Simple tests allow the optimum conditions to be determined.

However, it may be specified that the pressure difference can varybetween 0.2 and 1.5 MPa.

After their separation from the noncomplexed isotopes, theligand/isotope complexes can be treated using appropriate decomplexingagent(s), so as to collect, on the one hand, the ligands and, on theother hand, the isotope or isotopes.

Thus, the complexed ions can, after filtration, be released ordecomplexed, for example in a basic medium and by precipitation of theirhydroxide or by passing through a specific ion-exchange resin. In thecontext of this stage, it is advantageous to provide, in accordance withthe invention, for removal of the solvent, in this instance water, forexample by evaporation, in order to make possible the recovery of theseparated ions.

The equipment required for the implementation of the process accordingto the invention is relatively limited since a complexing reactor, apump and at least one nanofiltration membrane are sufficient. By way ofexample, the basic plant can comprise a complexing reactor, a pump and ananofiltration module, e.g. a tangential module, designed so that theretentate, after its passage in the vicinity of the membrane, isrecycled upstream of the filtration module, such as in the complexingreactor. According to a particular form of the invention, the reactorcan be fed continuously or semicontinuously with the ligand and themetal.

The nanofiltration can comprise several stages, in series and/or inparallel, so as to increase the degree of separation or of enrichment,permeate and/or retentate being subjected to the number of treatment andnanofiltration stages required by the object to be achieved.

Likewise, successive complexings/nanofiltrations with identical ordifferent ligands can be performed, so as to make possible theseparation of different isotopes in several stages.

Like the complexed isotopes, the decomplexed isotopes can again betreated and nanofiltered in accordance with the invention, this beingperformed at least once.

Nanofiltration has never until now been proposed for separating isotopesaccording to the invention, in particular lanthanide isotopes.

Another subject matter of the present invention is therefore the use ofnanofiltration for separating the isotopes of an element belonging tothe alkaline earth metals, transition metals and heavy metals having anatomic mass of less than 209, in particular lanthanide metals, theseisotopes being in solution in an aqueous medium. The separation can takeplace in the absence of a ligand but, according to an exemplary form ofthe invention, the isotopes are treated with a ligand designed tocomplex preferentially with one or more of the isotopes of the element,after which nanofiltration is performed. The other characteristics anddistinctive features mentioned above with respect to the ligandsaccording to the invention apply to this other subject matter of theinvention. The use of nanofiltration has numerous advantages incomparison with the prior techniques, in particular a low energyconsumption, since it is possible in particular to operate at ambienttemperature, good selectivity, a good elution flow rate, greatflexibility of use, the possibility of operating continuously orsemicontinuously and on a large scale, a low level of investment, highcompactness of the separating stages, the absence of phase change, andthe absence of organic solvent and of solid waste byproducts to bereprocessed.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the nanofiltration can bereplaced by, or combined with, another separation arrangement, anion-exchange resin or support of a specific type, carrying ligands asdescribed above.

As in the first form, isotopes will bind preferentially to the ligandscarried by the resin or support, while the isotopes which will not becomplexed will pass through the resin or the support and will be foundin the permeate. The elution stages subsequently make it possible toelute the isotopes which have complexed.

By definition, before an elution stage, the retentate is composed of theisotopes bonded to the ligands and therefore immobilized on the resin orthe support. The permeate comprises the isotopes which have not beencomplexed to the ligands.

After an elution, the permeate corresponds by definition to the eluate.

Use may be made, in preparing these resins or supports, of polymerresins, in particular of styrene, polyester, polyamide, poly(alkene),polyether, polyimide or polyurethane type, or of graftable inorganicsupports, such as silica, alumina and aluminosilicates. Preference isgiven to polystyrene-based resins and more particularly to copolymersbased on styrene and on divinylbenzene. Reference may be made, by way ofexample, to example 8 below or to R. Garcia et al., 1998, TetrahedronLetters, 39, 8651-8654, describing a resin based on a styrene derivativeof DTPA (bis(diethanolamine)amide or of diethylenetriarninepentaaceticacid).

To prepare the resins according to the invention, it is possible inparticular to polymerize the complexing monomer in the presence of oneor more polymerizing and/or crosslinking agents (that is to say, themonomers which form the resin), preferably styrene and divinylbenzene,which results in the formation of covalent bonds between the support andthe complexing part of the ligand. This type of polymer can also beobtained by grafting to this type of resin by formation of amide, esteror ether bonds between the ligand and the polymer matrix. With aninorganic support, the synthesis of resin is preferably based on agrafting method.

As in the case of nanofiltration, it is possible to use several stages,i.e. several chromatography columns comprising a resin or a support inaccordance with the invention, it being possible for these columns to bearranged in series and/or in parallel, so as to retreat the retentateafter elution and/or the permeate for the purpose of the separation ofthe desired isotopes and their enrichment according to thespecifications. Likewise, during the same process, it is possible toemploy different resin (or support)-ligand pairs so as to optimize theseparation of the isotopes, in particular when several isotopes aredesired from those in the starting mixture.

Nanofiltration and passage through a resin or support can advantageouslybe combined. In this case, it is preferable for the nanofiltration stageor stages to precede the stage or stages through the resin or support.

The elution of the complexed isotopes can be performed by variousaqueous solutions, in particular an acid solution, a solution of cationsor a solution comprising a ligand capable of detaching the isotopesimmobilized on the resin, such as EDTA, DTPA or their derivatives, inparticular those defined by the formula (I).

A further subject matter of the invention is the use of a, polymericresin or of an inorganic support carrying a ligand according to theinvention for the separation of isotopes of an element belonging to thealkaline earth metals, transition elements and heavy metals having anatomic mass of less than 209, in particular lanthanide metals. The othercharacteristics and distinctive features described above with regard tothe separation method apply to this other subject matter of theinvention.

The present invention also relates to a novel compound, theN-acetamidostyreneethylenediaminetriacetic acid, the formula of whichand a process for the preparation of which are shown in example 7.

Another subject matter of the invention is the use of this compound as aligand in the isotopic separation process in accordance with theinvention. Another subject matter of the invention is the use of thiscompound as ligand attached to an inorganic resin or support inaccordance with the invention for preparation of an ion-exchange resinor support according to the invention. Another subject matter of theinvention is such resins or supports carrying this ligand. A veryparticular subject matter of the invention is a styrenedivinylbenzene-N-acetamidostyreneethylenediaminetriacetic acid polymersuch as, for example, described and produced according to example 8. Theinvention also relates to the use of such a resin for the isotopicseparation in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described in more detail and using embodimentstaken as nonlimiting examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Synthesis of DTPA bis(diethanolamine)amide (1)

10 grams of DTPA anhydride (27.98 mmol) are dissolved in 150 ml ofanhydrous DMF (DiMethylFormamide) at 80° C. under an inert atmosphere(argon) in a 500 ml three-necked flask. 17 grams of diethanolamine(167.9 mmol) in 50 ml of DMF are added dropwise and the reaction mediumis kept stirred for 48 hours. The oily residue obtained is separatedfrom the solvent by settling. After dissolving this residue in theminimum amount of water, 800 ml of acetone are added and the viscousprecipitate is triturated, isolated from the solvent by separation bysettling, and purified on a column of Amberlite IR-120 (Fluka)ion-exchange resin by elution with distilled water. After evaporationand drying under vacuum, 7.98 g of product (1) are obtained in the formof a white powder (yield of 50%).

¹H NMR (D₂O): 3.1 (t, J=6.25, 4H), 3.48-3.52 (t+s, 10H), 3.59 (t, J=6.2,4H), 3.76 (t, J=5.2, 8H), 3.91 (s, 4H), 4.49 (s, 4H). ¹³C NMR (D₂O):50.59, 55.88, 56.62, 58.84, 59.95 (CH₂CO₂H and NCH₂CH₂N), 51.75, 52.14,60.85, 61.2 (N(CH₂CH₂OH)₂), 169.02, 172.6, 176.8 (CO₂H and CO). ES-MS:ES⁻: 566.3 ([M−H]⁻), 282.7 ([M-2H]²⁻/2).

EXAMPLE 2 Isotopic Separation of Gd by Nanofiltration-complexing withDTPA bis(diethanolamine)amide (1)

The plant comprises a complexing reactor, a pump and then a flatfiltration module equipped with the Sepa MG-17 membrane (with afiltering area S=0.015 m²). The Sepa MG-17 flat membrane exhibits apermeability to doubly-distilled water of 2.5 l·h⁻¹·m⁻²·bar⁻¹ at 25° C.The retentate outlet is connected to the complexing reactor. This plantwill be used for all the nanofiltration examples.

In this example, an aqueous solution with a volume of 1 liter,comprising 10 mmol/l of gadolinium (Gd) in the form of gadoliniumnitrate hexahydrate, is treated. A complexing agent composed of thecomplexing agent (1) of example 1 is added to the aqueous solution to betreated.

The isotopic separation of Gd is carried out under the followingconditions:

-   -   transmembrane pressure ΔP=0.6 MPa,    -   temperature=20° C.,    -   retentate flow rate=80 l/h,    -   pH=3.8.

Complexing agent (1) is added to a level of 9 mmol/l (i.e. 90% of ligandwith respect to the gadolinium). 700 ml of the solution are filtered. Atthe end of the experiment, a volume of retentate of 300 ml and a volumeof permeate of 700 ml are obtained. A sample of permeate and a sample ofretentate are withdrawn. The final retentate comprises 1260 mg/l of Gd,the final permeate comprises 136 mg/l thereof (i.e. a mean degree ofretention of 89% during the filtration). The analysis of the two samplesby ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy) reveals thefollowing results:

-   -   mean value of the ratio ¹⁶⁰Gd/¹⁵⁵Gd in the retentate:        1.5086±0.0016    -   mean value of the ratio ¹⁶⁰Gd/¹⁵⁵Gd in the permeate:        1.5128±0.0011, i.e., between the permeate and the retentate, an        enrichment factor of 1.0028±0.0018 between the ¹⁶⁰Gd and ¹⁵⁵Gd        isotopes. The permeate has been enriched in ¹⁶⁰Gd.

EXAMPLE 3 Isotopic Separation of Nd by Nanofiltration-complexing withDTPA bis(diethanolamine)amide (1)

In this example, an aqueous solution with a volume of 500 ml, comprising5 mmol/l of neodymium (Nd) in the form of neodymium nitrate hexahydrate,is treated. A plant identical to that of example 1 is used. A complexingagent composed of the complexing agent (1) of example 1 is added to theaqueous solution to be treated.

The isotopic separation of Nd is carried out under the followingconditions:

-   -   transmembrane pressure ΔP=0.6 MPa,    -   temperature=20° C.,    -   retentate flow rate=80 l/h,    -   pH=3.8.

Complexing agent (1) is added to a level of 4.5 mmol/l (i.e. 90% ofligand with respect to the neodymium). The solution is filtered whilerecycling both the retentate and permeate circuits. At chemicalequilibrium, a sample of permeate and a sample of retentate arewithdrawn. The retentate comprises 613 mg/l of Nd, the permeatecomprises 84 mg/l thereof (i.e. an instantaneous degree of retention of87%). The analysis of the two samples by ICP-MS reveals the followingresults:

-   -   mean value of the ratio ¹⁵⁰Nd/¹⁴²Nd in the permeate:        0.22233±0.00034    -   mean value of the ratio ¹⁵⁰Nd/¹⁴²Nd in the retentate:        0.22187±0.00040, i.e., between the permeate and the retentate,        an enrichment factor of 1.0021±0.0006 between the ¹⁵⁰Nd and        ¹⁴²Nd isotopes. The permeate has been enriched in ¹⁵⁰Nd.

EXAMPLE 4 Synthesis of the Copolymer DTPA-4,4″-methylenedianiline (2)

1.179 grams of DTPA dianhydride (3.3 mmol) are dissolved in 120 ml ofanhydrous DMF at 50° C. under an inert atmosphere (argon) in a 250 mlthree-necked flask. 595 milligrams of 4,4′-methylenedianiline (3 mmol)in 45 ml of anhydrous DMF are added dropwise and the reaction medium iskept stirred for 4 hours at 50° C. The reaction mixture is run onto 500ml of diethyl ether. The precipitate is filtered off and washed with 3times 100 ml of diethyl ether. After drying under vacuum, 1.28 g ofproduct (2) are obtained in the form of a white powder (yield of 72%).

¹H NMR (D₂O): 7.17 (broad s, 2H), 6.76 (m, 2H), 3.3-2.1 (m, 14H).Calculation of the degree of polymerization by ¹H NMR: i.e.:

-   -   R=area aromatic CH/area aliphatic CH₂=0.296    -   n=−18R/(20R-8)=2.57

EXAMPLE 5 Synthesis of DTPA bis(di(2-methoxyethyl-amide)(3)

12.4 ml of bis(2-methoxyethyl)amine (0.084 mol), dissolved in 40 ml ofanhydrous DMF, are added dropwise to 5_grams of DTPA anhydride (0.014mol), dissolved in 80_ml of anhydrous DMF, under argon at 80° C. Thereaction medium is kept stirred for 24 hours. After concentrating andaddition of diethyl ether, the oily precipitate is separated from thesolvents by settling. This residue is dissolved in the minimum amount ofCHCl₃ and reprecipitated from Et₂O. After drying under vacuum, ahygroscopic foam (3) is obtained (6.43 g, yield of 74%), used withoutadditional purification.

¹H NMR (D₂O+NaOD): 2.50 (t, 4H), 2.52 (t, 4H), 2.98 (s, 2H), 3.11 (s,4H), 3.31 (s, 6H), 3.32 (s, 6H), 3.51 (s, 4H), 3.53-3.56 (m, 16H). ¹³CNMR (D₂O): 45.94, 47.03, 47.81, 49.75, 53.69, 56.29, 57.78, 67.16,69.56, 69.69 (CH₂); 58.63, 59.07 (OCH₃); 166.9, 170.5, 175.7 (CO₂H andCO). ES-MS: ES⁻: 622.1 ([M−H]⁻), ES⁺: 624.3 ([M+H]⁺), 646.2 ([M+Na]⁺).

EXAMPLE 6 Synthesis of DTPA bis(1-deoxy-1-amidosorbitol)

5 grams of DTPA anhydride (0.014 mol) are dissolved in 100 ml ofanhydrous DMF at 70° C. under argon in a 500 ml three-necked flask. 5.32grams of 1-deoxy-1-aminosorbitol (0.029 mol), dissolved in 40 ml ofDMSO, are added dropwise and the reaction medium is kept stirred for 24hours. The viscous residue resulting from the reaction is separated fromthe solvents after separation by settling. It is subsequently dissolvedin the minimum amount of water and reprecipitated by addition ofacetone. The operation is repeated a second time and the residual oil isseparated by settling and dried under vacuum to give a slightly tingedwhite foam (4) (6.66 g, yield of 66%).

¹³C NMR (D₂O): 42.17, 47.14, 49.61, 53.41, 56.73, 57.48, 63.16 (CH₂);69.44, 71.08, 71.18, 71.38 (CH); 171.0, 178.86 (CO₂H and CO). ES-MS:ES⁺: 741.2 ([M+Na]⁺).

EXAMPLE 7 Synthesis of N-acetamidostyreneethylenediaminetriacetic acid(5)

5 grams of EDTA dianhydride (19.5 mmol) are dissolved in 120 ml ofanhydrous DMF at 70° C. under an inert atmosphere (argon) in a 250 mlthree-necked flask. 2.09 grams of 4-vinylaniline (17.57 mmol) in 20 mlof anhydrous DNF are added dropwise and the reaction medium is keptstirred for 24 hours. The solution is concentrated and the oily residueobtained is triturated in ethyl ether. A pink solid is obtained afterfiltration. This solid is suspended in acetone and then filtered off Thesolid is taken up in deionized water, triturated and then filtered off.After drying under vacuum, 4.2 grams of product (5) are obtained in theform of a pale-pink powder.

¹H NMR (d⁶-DMSO)(ppm): 2.8 (s, 4H), 3.48 (m, 8H), 5.17 (d, 1H), 5.73 (d,1H), 6.67 (dd, 1H), 7.42 (d, 2H), 7.62 (d, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO d⁶)(ppm):51.3, 51.4, 52.0, 54.55, 55.1, 55.3, 58.0, 112.7, 119, 126.5, 132.2,136.1, 138.5, 169.7, 172.2, 172.9.

EXAMPLE 8 Synthesis of thestyrene-divinylbenzene-N-acetamidostyreneethylenediaminetriacetic acidpolymer (6)

6 grams of N-acetamidostyreneethylenediaminetriacetic acid (15.2 mmol)are dissolved in 40 ml of MeOH in a glass reactor under an inertatmosphere. 3.89 grams of ground sodium nitrate (45.7 mmol) are added.This solution is placed in the water bath of an ultrasonic tank andsubjected to ultrasound for 15 minutes. 16.5 ml of styrene, 1.49 ml ofdivinylbenzene and 50 mg of AIBN (azoisobutyronitrile) are added. Thesolution is stirred and heated for 72 hours at 65° C. The solid obtainedis washed with MeOH, then suspended in a flask comprising 250 ml of MeOHand stirred for 24 hours. The solid is filtered off, then washed 5 timeswith an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution (1N), then 5 times with anaqueous sodium hydroxide solution (0.1N) and finally with deionizedwater to a pH of 5-6. This resin is dried in a desiccator comprisingP₂O₅. 15.96 grams of polymer are obtained (yield of 72%).

Elemental analysis: found % C: 71.61; % H: 6.84; % N: 3.65.

EXAMPLE 9 Separation of the Gadolinium Isotopes in Solid-liquidExtraction

A suspension of 5.5 grams of sievedstyrene-divinylbenzene-(N-acetamidostyrene) polymer (6) (particle sizefrom 108 to 300 μm) in an aqueous sodium nitrate solution (C=1×10⁻²mol·l⁻¹) is introduced into a chromatography column for high pressureliquid chromatography (HPLC) made of stainless steel, the lower end ofwhich is connected to a pump. The column is subjected to vibrations inorder to tamp down the polymer and avoid the formation of air bubbles.Once filled, the column is hermetically sealed and then mounted inseries with a pump used in high pressure liquid chromatography. A sodiumnitrate solution (C=1×10⁻² mol·l⁻¹) is eluted in order to confirm thatthe pressure remains constant and in order to adjust the flow rate (flowrate=0.2 ml·min⁻¹, pressure=12 bar). Finally, 1 l of an aqueousgadolinium nitrate solution is eluted (C=1×10⁻² mol/l). The solution isthen fractionated into samples with a size of 11 ml at the columnoutlet. These different fractions are quantitatively determined inICP-AES in order to determine the sodium and gadolinium content of eachsample. The analysis of three samples (starting solution and twosolutions corresponding to added volumes of 220 ml (S₂₀) and 275 ml(S₂₅) of Gd(NO₃)₃·6H₂O) by ICP-MS reveals the following results:

-   -   mean value of the ratio ¹⁶⁰Gd/¹⁵⁵Gd in the starting solution:        1.52505±0.00107    -   mean value of the ratio ¹⁶⁰Gd/¹⁵⁵Gd in the solution S₂₀:        1.51297±0.00417    -   mean value of the ratio ¹⁶⁰Gd/¹⁵⁵Gd in the solution S₂₅:        1.51883±0.00222, i.e. enrichment factors for        S_(starting)/S₂₀=1.0080±0.0035 between the isotopes ¹⁶⁰Gd and        ¹⁵⁵Gd and S_(starting)/S₂₅=1.0041±0.0022 between the isotopes        ¹⁶⁰Gd and ¹⁵⁵Gd. The light isotopes emerge first from the column        (selective retention of the heavy isotopes in the column).

It should be clearly understood that the invention defined by theappended claims is not limited to the specific embodiments indicated inthe above description but encompasses the alternative forms which departneither from the scope nor from the spirit of the present invention.

1. A process for separating, in an aqueous medium, isotopes of a sameelement selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metals,transition elements and heavy metals having an atomic mass of less than209, the process comprising: treating the aqueous medium comprising theisotopes with a ligand designed to complex with at least one of theisotopes of the element; and nanofiltering the treated aqueous medium toseparate the isotopes.
 2. The process according to claim 1, wherein anamount of ligand employed is one of less than 1 equivalent of ligand peratom of isotope and of the isotopes to be complexed.
 3. The processaccording to claim 1, wherein the ligand is chosen so as to have a samenumber of negative charges as the isotope in the ionic form has ofpositive charges.
 4. The process according to claim 1, wherein theligand has one of a linear and cyclic polyamino acid as defined by

in which: a=0 or 1 and b=2 or 3 c=2 or 3 and d=1 or 1 p=0 to 3, e=0 or 1h=1, 2 or 3 i=1, 2 or 3 q=1 to 4 f=2 or 3 g=0 or 1 the A¹, A², A³ areone of identical to and different from one another and correspond to amonovalent acid group, the R¹ groups are one of identical to anddifferent from one another and correspond to: H, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl; or one R¹may be

 where a=0, and the R⁹, R¹⁰ groups are one of identical to and differentfrom one another, and each corresponding to one of hydrogen and ahydrophilic monovalent radical selected from at least one of aminatedand (poly)hydroxylated and alkoxylated and (poly)etherifiedhydrocarbonaceous residues, the R² groups are one of identical to anddifferent from one another, the R³ groups are one of identical to anddifferent from one another, the R⁶ groups are one of identical to anddifferent from one another, the R⁷ groups are one of identical to anddifferent from one another, wherein the R², R³, R⁶, R⁷ are one ofidentical to and different from one another and correspond to one of Hand to a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl; the R⁴ groups are one of identical to anddifferent from one another and correspond to a hydrophilic divalentgroup selected from the group consisting of aminated aromatic groups,hydroxylated aromatic groups, aminated and hydroxylated aromatic groups,aminated aromatic and alkyl groups, hydroxylated aromatic and alkylgroups, aminated and hydroxylated aromatic and alkyl groups, aminatedaromatic and (cyclo)alkylene groups, hydroxylated aromatic and(cyclo)alkylene groups, aminated and hydroxylated aromatic and(cyclo)alkylene groups, aminated (cyclo)alkylene groups, hydroxylated(cyclo)alkylene groups, and aminated and hydroxylated (cyclo)alkylenegroups; the divalent group R⁵ representing one of an alkylene, and agroup corresponding to a same definition as R⁴; and the group R⁸corresponding to a hydroxyl, to A⁴ corresponding to a same definition asone of the A¹, A² and A³, to hydrogen, or to —NR⁹R¹⁰ with R⁹ and R¹⁰ oneof identical to and different from one another and representing ahydrophilic monovalent radical selected from at least one of aminatedand (poly)hydroxylated and alkoxylated and (poly)etherifiedhydrocarbonaceous residues.
 5. The process according to claim 4, whereinat least one of the hydrophilic groups R⁹ and R¹⁰ are polyhydroxyalkyls.6. The process according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the R⁹ andR¹⁰ are hydrogenated saccharides.
 7. The process according to claim 5,wherein at least one of the R⁹ and R¹⁰ are polyether chains.
 8. Theprocess according to claim 4 wherein the ligand is a compound offormula:

in which the R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹² are one of identical to and differentfrom one another and each represent a hydrophilic monovalent radicalcorresponding to same definition as that given for the R⁹, R¹⁰.
 9. Theprocess according to 3, wherein at least one of the R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹²are chosen from ethanoyl, methoxyethyl and sorbitoyl radicals.
 10. Theprocess according to claim 4, wherein at least one of R⁹ and R¹⁰ areresidues selected from the group consisting of (cyclo)alkyl, aralkyl,alkylaryl, (cyclo)alkenyl, aralkenyl, alkenylaryl and aryl.
 11. Theprocess according to claim 10, wherein the alkyl, alkoxyl and alkenylgroups are at least one of the C₂, C₃ and C₄ groups.
 12. The processaccording to claim 10 wherein R⁸ is selected from the group consistingof a C₁-C₁₀ hydroxyalkyl, a C₁-C₁₀ alkoxyl and a polyol.
 13. The processaccording to claim 10, wherein R⁴ comprises at least one of alkoxy and(poly)ethers.
 14. The process according to claim 10, wherein themonovalent acid group is selected from the group consisting of —COOR,—PO₃R′₂ and —SO₃R″, wherein R, R′ and R″ are a hydrogen or a cation. 15.The process according to claim 4, wherein the monovalent acid group isselected from the group consisting of —COOR, —PO₃R′₂ and —SO₃R″, whereinR, R′ and R″ are a hydrogen or a cation.
 16. The process according toclaim 15, wherein the cation is sodium.
 17. The process according toclaim 15, wherein the cation does not complex the ligand.
 18. Theprocess according to claim 4, wherein R⁹ and R¹⁰ are selected from thegroup consisting of a C₁-C₁₀ hydroxyalkyl, a C₁-C₁₀ alkoxyl and apolyol.
 19. The process according to claim 18, wherein R⁸ is selectedfrom the group consisting of a C₁-C₁₀ hydroxyalkyl, a C₁-C₁₀ alkoxyl anda polyol.
 20. The process according to claim 18, wherein R⁴ comprises atleast one of alkoxy and (poly)ethers.
 21. The process according to claim18, wherein the monovalent acid group is selected from the groupconsisting of —COOR, —PO₃R′₂ and —SO₃R″, wherein R, R′ and R″ are ahydrogen or a cation.
 22. The process according to claim 21, wherein thecation does not complex the ligand.
 23. The process according to claim4, wherein R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of a C₁-C₁₀hydroxyalkyl, a C₁-C₁₀ alkoxyl and a polyol.
 24. The process accordingto claim 23, wherein R⁴ comprises at least one of alkoxy and(poly)ethers.
 25. The process according to claim 23, wherein themonovalent acid group is selected from the group consisting of —COOR,—PO₃R′₂ and —SO₃R″, wherein R, R′ and R″ are a hydrogen or a cation. 26.The process according to claim 4, wherein R⁴ comprises at least one ofalkoxy and (poly)ethers.
 27. The process according to claim 26, whereinthe monovalent acid group is selected from the group consisting of—COOR, —PO₃R′₂ and —SO₃R″, wherein R, R′ and R″ are a hydrogen or acation.
 28. The process according to claim 1, wherein the separatedisotopes are lanthanide isotopes.
 29. The process according to claim 1,wherein the separated isotopes are selected from the group consisting ofgadolinium isotopes, erbium isotopes and neodymium isotopes.
 30. Theprocess according to claim 1, wherein the nanofiltering is performedthrough a tangential nanofiltration.
 31. The process according to claim1, wherein the separated isotopes are gadolinium isotopes.
 32. Theprocess according to claim 1, wherein the separated isotopes are erbiumisotopes.
 33. The process according to claim 1, wherein the separatedisotopes are neodymium isotopes.